Imperial Hotel

The Imperial Hotel Tokyo is the first Western-style hotel in Japan opened in 1890, a year after The Savoy in London and three years before The Waldorf Astoria. It was originally owned by Imperial Household Agency and mainly used for diplomatic functions.

In 1923 the hotel was reconstructed, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The opening coincided with the Great Kanto Earthquake, but the building stood still while many surrounding buildings collapsed. This building welcomed prominent figures in history including Jean Cocteau and Helen Keller.

The current structure is from 1970. Its ‘Imperial Floors’ have completed renovation recently.